Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on a special bottle that was gifted to me: Benriach The Twelve. As a big fan of Benriach, this Speyside single malt has a special place in my collection.
Benriach, Where It All Started
My journey with Benriach began with its fascinating history. Founded in 1898 by John Duff, the Benriach Distillery has weathered many storms, including an early closure due to the Pattison Crash. Despite these setbacks, the distillery’s floor maltings continued to supply malted barley to neighboring distilleries, keeping Benriach’s spirit alive. When the distillery reopened in 1965, it embraced both traditional and experimental approaches, including peated distillation—a rarity in the Speyside region.
Rachel Barrie - Master Blender
In 2017, Rachel Barrie joined Benriach as Master Blender, and her influence has been transformative. With over 26 years of experience and having sampled over 150,000 malt whisky casks, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and intuition to the table. Her ability to craft multi-layered single malts has been pivotal in developing Benriach’s distinctive expressions. Under her guidance, Benriach has earned accolades and expandes its global footprint. I have immense respect for her work and the magic she brings to each bottle.
Benriach Whisky - The Twelve
Benriach The Twelve is a shining example of the distillery’s dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. This expression is matured for at least twelve years in a combination of sherry casks, bourbon barrels, and port casks. This meticulous process results in a smooth and complex single malt that captures the essence of Benriach’s innovative spirit. Receiving this bottle as a gift was truly special, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Whisky Tasting Notes
Colour: Golden bronze
Nose: The nose brings me soft flowers and rich honey with the promise of a fruit bowl. From raspberries to pears, delicious!
Taste: The palate starts fruity with sweet cherries, chocolate and blood oranges. The more I taste, the better it gets, nutty and toffee starts to form.
The finish is long and gives me nice warm flavours of raisins and spices, a little coffee and those nice fruity finishes.
Rachel Barrie beautifully encapsulates this expression, stating, "Sherry rich maturation brings incredible depth to this expression and layers of dark berry fruits. It encapsulates the flavors of Benriach in the autumn."
Benriach The Twelve is more than just a whisky; it’s a journey through the rich history and innovative spirit of the Benriach Distillery. With its expertly crafted blend of sherry, bourbon, and port cask influences, it offers a complex and rewarding tasting experience that is sure to delighted me beyond anything.
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